As a location manager I am a key member of the film crew responsible for the finding and securing of locations to be used, obtaining all needed fire, police and other governmental permits, and coordinating the logistics involved for the production to successfully complete its necessary work. My team is also the face and representative of the production company to the community and are responsible for addressing the issues that may arise due to the production’s impact on the community.
Locally, location managers are represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 728. Additionally, nationwide, we have the Location Managers Guild of America, a non-profit corporation dedicated to the promotion and interests of their members and their relations with the general public, communities and industry partners.
Once a location has been determined to meet the appropriate look, the location manager must then schedule dates for preparation, wrap and strike, and negotiate with the property owner an appropriate fee as well as fees to any neighbors and tenants that may also be impacted by the production. The location manager will also apply for the necessary permits through the local municipality and/or community and housing associations, arrange parking for trucks, equipment and crew, prepare temporary facilities for holding production, talent, crew and meals, and ensuring the security of the location, the safety of the crew while minimizing the impact to the surrounding community.
Good location managers are well poised and able to think fast on their feet as they are constantly moving, usually preceding production to a location and overseeing final strike and wrap. We are the first and last people the public sees that represent the production and are responsible for ensuring that the location is returned to the condition in which it was received. I must also location manager be aware of the possible copyright issues which may be an issue if the show is filmed in a public place where there is art work or similar and where the artist has to give consent to the creation being depicted or covered or replaced by other artwork.I need to be aware of the production’s needs and know how to best accommodate them while diplomatically ensuring that the requirements of all parties, from the property owners, line producer, director and production designer to the grip and electric lighting and rigging the set and their teamster brothers with all their trucks, trailers and vans combined.
If you are a homeowner, this is the person you will be interacting with on a regular basis.